August 21, 1943 — October 19, 2023 (age 80)
Leon Reed Conger passed peacefully through the veil surrounded by his loving family on October 19, 2023, in his home in North Logan, Utah. He was born August 21, 1943, in Brigham City, UT to Ray Leon Conger and Edith Abel.
Reed graduated from Box Elder High School in 1961 and began studying journalism at Weber State, but he switched paths when a kind mentor, Max Hamilton, inspired him to go into pharmacy. Reed achieved a degree from the University of Utah’s School of Pharmacy in 1967. He was an astute businessman with an entrepreneurial spirit. He owned several stores, including Hyrum Drug, Reed’s Pharmacy, and In-a-Minute Mart in Hyrum, plus Valley Drug and several video stores throughout Utah. His children often worked for him, and he taught them how to treat people with respect. He lovingly trained them to smile at each customer, to make eye contact, and to call each person by name. He loved his many customers.
While studying at Weber State, Reed met Dixie Conger on a blind date when she was a senior at Bear River High. The two were married on June 11, 1964, in the Logan, Utah Temple. Together they had six children: Todd, Tracy, Daniel, Michael, Julia, and Jennifer. In later years, he gained a bonus daughter, Isha Humagain, whom he and Dixie met and loved as one of their own. His generosity and compassion were a great example to all. Reed always spoke of each family member with fondness, encouraging them by saying things like, “I’m so very proud of you! Do you know how incredible you are? You are a knockout! You are so capable. Your kids are fantastic!”
Reed is well-known for a few of his favorite pastimes. He always kept a meticulous yard—beautiful, lush grass without any weeds, trimmed and edged perfectly. He often brought fresh flowers into the house to be enjoyed by everyone, commenting on their beauty. He kept his cars the same way, always clean and newly washed. He loved to golf, so much so that he made a pro-style putting green in the backyard of their home in Hyrum. When he golfed with family, he was the best cheerleader and would often say things like, “Holy moly! Did you see that shot?” He made them feel as if nobody ever swung a golf club better. Not only did he love to golf, but he also found great pleasure in finding stray golf balls.
Reed was a wordsmith and had an excellent vocabulary. He loved to read books and pored over his favorites several times. Some of them include finance books, like Richest Man in Babylon, and Rich Dad, Poor Dad. He was also very passionate about Les Miserable by Victor Hugo, appreciating the literary excellence and the meaningful messages sprinkled throughout the story. Another favorite hobby was playing games. He particularly loved 5 Crowns, Scrabble, and a game called “Joker.” There was rarely a family gathering that didn’t include Joker tournaments. Reed had a marvelous sense of humor and an infectious laugh. He told jokes during Sunday dinner as the children grew up, and he laughed easily at the antics his children and grandchildren displayed. He also loved fishing and went to Canada every year for about 45 years to “catch the big ones,” inviting his children and grandchildren to go along.
Reed had a passion for learning and investing. He also thrived on being frugal. The family often teased him about the five-cent garbage bags he bought that consistently ripped, but he was satisfied because he knew he was saving money. He taught his children and grandchildren finance and held investing classes at family gatherings. He wanted to be sure to pass on his knowledge of savvy financial skills to them and others so they could enjoy economic freedom and use their money for good. He would often say, “Live today like no one else, so you can live tomorrow like no one else.” After retirement, he was helpful around the home, especially the kitchen, willing to clear and wash the dishes. The tile floors were always immaculate when he was around.
Reed enjoyed watching movies, especially ones that provoked emotion, and every family member has wonderful memories of enjoying shows, Jazz games, or BYU football with him. He had favorite players and found pleasure in cheering for them. His most treasured stars, however, were his own children and grandchildren. He attended their events often and basked in their success, telling everyone he knew about their talent and accomplishments. His eyes and face lit up whenever he told stories of his grandkids. They never doubted the incredible love he had for them.
Despite his many passions, Reed made it clear that what he valued most in his life was his precious wife, Dixie. He would commonly tell the family about the love he had for her, saying things like, “Do you have any idea how much I love your mother? Isn’t she the most incredible person you have ever met? If you knew my wife, you’d know she is really one in a million.” He would often get emotional as he spoke about the love he held for his sweetheart. His family was his greatest joy.
Reed was a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was a faithful home teacher/minister, who loved his assigned families. His faith sustained him throughout his life and prepared him to leave this life full of peace and an assurance that his family would be together forever. A special memory was a gathering of his brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, and children at his home one week before he passed. He and Dixie appreciate the tender care he received from his loving family and friends, Hospice, and the Huntsman Cancer Clinic during his last few weeks.
Reed was often very generous, paying for strangers’ meals at times in restaurants and providing financial help to those he felt needed a boost. To honor him, the family encourages all to specifically do something charitable for someone. Love each other every moment of every day.
Reed is survived by his wife Dixie, sons Todd Reed, Tracy Paul (Marcela) Daniel Ray (Lori), and Michael Elliott (Karlene), as well as his daughters, Julia Louise (Adam) Olsen, Jennifer Brighton (Jason) Walker and Isha Humagain ‘adopted’ daughter (Dakota). He is also survived by two brothers, Gary and Sherman, and three sisters, Ann Conger, Gail Geiger, and Jeanne Warren. He is the proud grandfather of 24 grandchildren and one great grandchild.
He was preceded in death by his parents and two of his brothers, Thomas Dale and David Ray Conger.
A viewing will be held at Allen-Hall Mortuary, 34 E. Center Street in Logan, Utah, from 6-8 pm on Friday, November 3.
Funeral services will take place at 10:30 am Saturday morning, November 4, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, (North Logan 3rd Ward), 1850 N. 400 E., North Logan, Utah, with a viewing prior, from 9-10 am.
Graveside services will follow at 4:00 pm at the Park Valley Cemetery, Park Valley, Utah.
Funeral services will be livestreamed and can be viewed via the following link (passcode: Reed)
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82892171420?pwd=ZHF2YkxpSXRWVFJRUk1ORm85cFVHUT09
Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at Allen Mortuaries.